Viagra 50 mg Tablets

Manufacturer	Centurion Laboratories
Active Ingredient	Sildenafil citrate
Starts In	30 minutes to 1 hour
Last Long	Up to 4 to 6 hours
Type	Erectile Dysfunction

How It Works

Viagra 50 mg contains the active ingredient Sildenafil Citrate. Sildenafil is a PDE-5 inhibitor. It works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme from breaking down cGMP(cyclic guanosine monophosphate). cGMP is a key molecule that helps you get and keep an erection.

During sexual stimulation, the blood vessel lining in the penis releases nitric oxide (NO), which triggers the production of cGMP in the smooth muscle cells of the penis. cGMP prompts the smooth muscle cells to relax. This action widens the penis’ blood vessels. The relaxation of smooth muscle cells allows for improved blood flow into the spongy tissue of the penis. This tissue is called the corpus cavernosum. The increased blood flow fills the spongy tissue, leading to an erection.

These pills do not directly induce an erection. Instead, they enhance the natural erectile response by amplifying penile blood flow upon sexual stimulation.

Uses

Viagra is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) in men. It helps improve blood flow to the penis, allowing men to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual activity. Viagra 50mg is taken when sexual stimulation is expected, as it works only in response to sexual arousal.

Dosage

Take one tablet about 30 minutes to 1 hour before sexual activity. This pill is recommended to be taken once in 24 hours. It should be taken approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before any sexual activity. It can be taken with or without food. The effects of this medicine last for around 4 to 6 hours.

Missed Dosage: This pill is taken as and when needed. Therefore, the chances of missing a dose are very less. If it’s time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Consult your doctor about what should be done when a dose is missed.

Overdose: An overdose of this medicine can lead to serious side effects. If you experience any side effects that persist for long, contact your doctor immediately.

Important Advisory

Before you take this medication, tell your doctor if you are:

1. Allergic to tadalafil pills.
2. Take any medicines containing nitrates. Nitrates are commonly used to treat angina.
3. Take recreational drugs called “poppers,” like amyl nitrite and butyl nitrite.
4. Take any medicines called guanylate cyclase stimulators, such as Riociguat.
5. Have liver disease or kidney disease.
6. Suffer from diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, etc.
7. Suffer from any physical deformity of the penis.
8. Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
9. Suffer from retinitis pigmentosa.
10. Have blood cell problems such as sickle cell anemia, multiple myeloma, etc.
11. Have other medical conditions such as prostate disorder or HIV.
12. Take other ED medications.

Side Effects

Like any other drug, Viagra 50mg comes with its own set of side effects. The most common side effects include:

1. Dizziness
2. Vomiting
3. Nausea
4. Flushing
5. Headaches
6. Diarrhea
7. Blurred vision
8. Breathing problems
9. Indigestion

In some rare cases, some serious side effects can occur. These include:

1. A sudden loss of vision (known as NAION) or hearing 
2. A painful erection that lasts for more than 4 hours (known as Priapism)
3. Chest Pain

The above list shouldn’t be seen as a complete guide to side effects. If you experience any other side effects of the medication, report it to the doctor.

Drug Interactions

If you take any form of herbal, OTC, recreational, or any other drugs, let your doctor know about them. 

1. Alpha-blockers such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, and terazosin
2. Amlodipine
3. Oral antifungals such as ketoconazole
4. Blood thinners such as warfarin
5. Barbiturates such as butalbital
6. Beta-blockers such as atenolol
7. Bosentan
8. Cimetidine
9. Antibiotics such as clarithromycin
10. HIV Protease inhibitors such as atazanavir, darunavir, indinavir, and ritonavir
11. Nevirapine
12. Other medicines for ED 
13. Medications for high blood pressure
14. Medicines for seizures such as carbamazepine
15. Rifabutin
16. Rifampin

This isn’t a complete list of potential drug interactions. Discuss possible drug interactions with your doctor before starting this medicine.

Interaction with Alcohol

Drinking alcohol while taking this medication can increase the risk of experiencing side effects. Avoid consuming alcohol alongside this medication.

Interaction with Grapefruit juice

Grapefruit juice raises the levels of this drug in the body and delays the time it takes for the medication to work. Therefore, it should not be consumed while taking this medication.

Storage Instructions

1. Store in a cool and dry place.
2. Retain the original packaging of the medicine.
3. Keep it away from the reach of children and pets.
4. Do not consume the tablets past their expiration date.

Substitutes Available

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I take it twice a day?

Viagra 50 mg is recommended to be taken once in 24 hours. It should not be taken more than once in 24 hours or you may experience severe side effects of the drug. Consult your doctor if you don’t achieve desired results.

How long does it take for Viagra 50 mg to work?

This medicine is recommended to be taken approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour before any sexual activity. It starts to work within the first hour of its consumption. The effects can last for around 4 to 6 hours.

Is Viagra 50 mg suitable for first-time users?

Yes, it is often recommended for first-time users of erectile dysfunction medication. It’s a low dose that can be effective while minimizing the risk of potential side effects.

Can I take Viagra 50 mg with food?

Yes, you can take the tablet with or without food. However, taking it with a heavy meal may delay its onset of action.

What should I do if I experience side effects with Viagra 50 mg?

If you experience side effects with Viagra 50 mg, such as headache, flushing, dizziness, or upset stomach, you should consult your healthcare provider.

How does Viagra 50 mg work to treat erectile dysfunction?

Viagra contains sildenafil citrate, which belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. It works by relaxing the blood vessels in the penis, allowing for increased blood flow when sexually stimulated. This helps men achieve and maintain an erection suitable for sexual activity.

References

• PubChem [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US), National Center for Biotechnology Information; 2004-. PubChem Compound Summary for CID 135413523, Sildenafil citrate; [cited 2022 Sept. 30]. Available from: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sildenafil-citrate
• Fink HA, Mac Donald R, Rutks IR, Nelson DB, Wilt TJ. Sildenafil for male erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Intern Med. 2002 Jun 24;162(12):1349-60. doi: 10.1001/archinte.162.12.1349. PMID: 12076233.
  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12076233/
• Chew KK, Stuckey BG, Thompson PL. Erectile dysfunction, sildenafil and cardiovascular risk. Med J Aust. 2000 Mar 20;172(6):279-83. Erratum in: Med J Aust 2000 May 15;172(10):511. PMID: 10860094.
  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10860094/
• Irwin GM. Erectile Dysfunction. Prim Care. 2019 Jun;46(2):249-255. doi: 10.1016/j.pop.2019.02.006. Epub 2019 Apr 1. PMID: 31030826. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31030826/